TECH SENIOR

In September 2016, the Erasmus+ Program of the European Union entitled «TECHSenior – Technology for helping older people remaining active and fully integrated into society» was approved for KOISPE FAROS, which works with partners – organizations from Denmark, England, Spain and the Greek company p-consulting in order to educate vulnerable groups of the population, especially the elderly, to basic functions of new technology such as computer and internet operation. Under the program, among other benefits, there is knowhow exchange between the European Union partners – institutions, while simultaneously expanding the horizons of Koi.S.P.E. “Faros” in terms of knowledge and experiences at European level. The program strengthens and consolidates the presence of Koi.S.P.S. “Faaros” in the European Union.

Aim of the project

Populations around the world are rapidly ageing. Economic development and the improvement in other factors have contributed to a continuous increase in life expectancy across Europe during the last century and places the EU-28 among the world leaders for life expectancy, reaching 83.3 years for women and 77.8 years for men, according to Eurostat.

The technology can provide an opportunity to enhance the elderly to remain independent and active in all aspects of social life. In this way, an active elderly can improve the level of life and enhance mental and social rehabilitation. Despite this very important aspect of the use of technology, there are no corresponding educational programs. Professional caregivers and volunteers who come in contact with elders should be able to support them by making use of new opportunities offered by the new technology. This use could be for example, ordering food and other goods online, access to many government websites, being familiar with the use of tele-medicine and tele-assistance, communicating with friends and or their families by e- mail, Skype, other social networks.

What will be delivered

Through cooperation between European partners on the TECHSenior project, a training program will be developed in the form of “blended learning” through which elders will be able to become more autonomous. The training will be held by volunteers, while the target group will be trainers, social workers who will learn to teach with special treatment the older people, and older people themselves.

Specifically, two types of educational programs will be created. In the first the human factor is involved by teaching and learning, using specific methods. The second is the creation of an electronic platform «e-learning» which will act as tool storage, as well as the continued support of education is necessary.

Through its participation, Koi.S.P.E. “Faros” further expands its horizons of knowledge, experience and cooperation and becomes a modern institution with a European presence and direct participation in European events on its wider sector. Simultaneously, Koi.S.P.E. “Faros” and its services is promoted and recognized at European level.

Partners

The project involves European Union agencies of different types such as public and private organizations, companies specializing in the care of the elderly, other small businesses and non-profit organizations.